Allen McIntosh |
OGDENSBURG
– While rehabilitation is often associated with surgery on one’s legs, arms or
hips, it can also be used to help make someone stronger and able to return home
following any number of medical procedures.
Allen
McIntosh, of Waddington, recently had an appendectomy after falling ill at
home.
Following
his discharge from the hospital, Mr. McIntosh spent roughly two weeks at United
Helpers’ RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Ogdensburg.
“I
knew something was wrong so I went to the hospital,” he said. “My doctor told
me he does five of those surgeries (appendectomies) every day, and mine was one
of the worst he’s ever seen.”
While
an appendectomy will take anyone off their feet for a few days, at the age of
92, the recovery period is a bit longer. Mr. McIntosh said he was unable to get
a bed at Maplewood Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, where he has
previously spent 19 days following a stroke, but given the success he found
there, he knew he wanted to receive his therapy at a United Helpers facility.
“I
can now say I’ve been to both places and they were each great,” he said. “I
enjoyed my experiences at both.”
In
addition to receiving physical and occupational therapy at both locations, Mr.
McIntosh has also worked with Respiratory Therapist Matthew King.
A
short time prior to his appendectomy, he noticed he was having difficulty
breathing and was placed on oxygen by his primary care provider.
Although
he is unsure if he’ll be able to stop using oxygen, Mr. McIntosh said his time
with Mr. King has made a difference.
“I’m
what they call a shallow breather,” Mr. McIntosh said. “Mr. King has taught me
a little bit about breathing better and I’ve noticed a difference. I might not
ever discontinue oxygen, but I can tell that what they’ve been doing is
working.”
For more information on therapy services at RiverLedge Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Ogdensburg, contact (315) 393-0730. For information on therapy services at Maplewood, contact (315) 386-4541. You may also like United Helpers on Facebook or visit www.unitedhelpers.org.
Respiratory Therapist Matthew King, Allen McIntosh and Physical Therapist Trent Worden |
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